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#4. Can Linton Vassell get closer to a Bellator heavyweight title shot?
Former title challenger Linton Vassell has been successful and looks to have found a great fit in Bellator’s heavyweight division. In 2019, it didn’t look like he would be in the promotion much longer. However, he has turned things around and has shown plenty of improvements.
Vassell returned to the heavyweight division in 2019 after back-to-back losses to Phil Davis and current heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. His return to the weight class didn’t go his way initially, as eventual interim heavyweight champion Valentin Moldavsky defeated him via unanimous decision.
Despite being on a three-fight losing skid, ‘The Swarm’ remained at heavyweight, a show of perserverence that ended up being the correct decision. He earned back-to-back TKO wins over Sergei Kharitonov and Ronny Markes, as well as a split decision win over Tyrell Fortune last November.
Vassell has an excellent opportunity to get closer to a heavyweight title shot if he wins his fourth straight fight this Friday. Bader is scheduled to defend the title against Cheick Kongo next month, so the timing could work out well.
#3. Will Aaron Pico extend his winning streak?
Aaron Pico will be looking to make another statement and get his name into the Bellator featherweight title picture. The young phenom is widely regarded as one of the promotion’s greatest prospects and homegrown stars. This is high praise considering the caliber of fighters that’ve made a name for themselves while competing in the promotion.
Pico was originally scheduled to compete against No.7-ranked featherweight Jeremy Kennedy. However, the UFC vet was forced off the card with an injury and was replaced by Adli Edwards. It will be interesting to see how the fight plays out as Edwards accepted the bout on just 8 days' notice.
The bout is also a risky one for Pico, with there being added pressure because of his ranking and skillset. If he wins, it will extend his winning streak to four and put him in the mix for a title shot.
Depending on what transpires in the main event, Pico could set himself up for a rematch with Adam Borics.
